How to Protect Cork Flooring from its Flaws

Cork flooring has been around for quite some time, its popularity in demand was just recently felt. Those who opt for renewable made from a natural, renewable substance that can be recycled without the culpability associated with using fine hardwoods from preserved forests.

Cork flooring is a very good and dependable material that could be used in most areas of the house and even on office but it’s not suitable for areas where the cork flooring will be in contact with water.

If you are looking for a perfectly unspoiled floor, this is not the right material since cork is a very soft material. Cork makes these floors relatively easy to damage while this might be delightful on bare feet. The floor can be easily punctured if any sharp object is dropped on it. It can pierce and scrape the material by like chair and furniture legs. High heels shoes can easily puncture the surface of a cork floor if not properly filled. Even small dirt particles can act like grits of sandpaper can tear across the surface of the material.

You may have a problem if you have very heavy appliances or furniture pieces because they may sink permanently down into the cork. It can also make it very difficult to move those appliances later on for cleaning or furniture rearrangement because this can only cause permanent divots in the material. Anyhow, there is always available products that can help prevent further damage of cork by using furniture coasters and placing larger pieces on flat wooden boards or other support pieces. If you really wanted to use cork flooring in the kitchen, you may want to use plywood platform or plastic pallet to rest your appliances over the cork.

Cork is prone to dog and cat nail scratches and it’s very visible especially if you have a big and heavy dog. If you really wanted to use cork flooring with pets to consider living in, just keep their nails trimmed.

The water is one of the major problems of cork flooring. In order to create an invisible blockade over its surface, the finishing process includes sealing cork and this offers some protection against water stains and damage.

High humidity may lead to tile popping out and can also cause the cork to curl or plump.

The cork flooring has a tendency to fade due to direct sunlight. The occurrence of discoloration and a patch of the floor can end up taking on a different hue than surrounding areas if direct sunlight is allowed to beam down on cork materials on daily basis. To prevent this from happening, use blinds and curtains plus constant care and maintenance of the material is a must.